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Coaches see Bruins-Ducks as battle of elite teams

by
Curtis Zupke
/ NHL.com

ANAHEIM -- Outside of a few minor lineup changes, the Anaheim Ducks and Boston Bruins are set for a big matchup Tuesday at Honda Center.

"I think it's pretty obvious when you watch them play that they have some guys that they lean on, a lot like we do, but at the same time it's a pretty well-shared mentality when it comes to playing hard together and supporting each other," Boston coach Claude Julien said of Anaheim.

"No doubt that's one of the reasons I think they are [so good] in the West."

Anaheim is coming off a come-from-behind win against the Vancouver Canucks in which it won with 1.3 seconds remaining in overtime.

The Ducks are looking for a better start after allowing two goals in the first period in each of their previous two games; they were able to rally to win both.

Anaheim coach Bruce Boudreau knows his team can't get away with that against Boston.

"To me, right now they're the best team in the East," Boudreau said. "It's going to be a real challenge for us to match their size and strength. When it comes to big games Boston's always there. We're coming off an emotional game and hopefully we can get it back up to that level again."

Notes: Eriksson skated but has not been cleared for contact. Caron also skated but Julien said he's not ready to return. "He's doing OK," Julien said. "He didn't do any extra skating. He still laboring out there so it was just a matter of getting him out there on the ice. He's certainly not ready to go [Tuesday]."

Notes: The line rushes were mixed because Getzlaf did not skate. Penner went back on the top line in the previous game and did skate with Perry in the morning skate. Maroon appears be in and skated with Perreault and Selanne. Allen did not skate, and if he does not play Fistric would be inserted. Hiller will be going for his 12th straight win.